Preventative Dental Care for your pet [IMPORTANT]

[Auspetian]

Preventative Dental Care for your pet

Poor dental health is a common problem in the middle aged and senior dogs and cats. These problems often begin from an early age and progress to become an issue of significant health concerns. Diseased teeth are a reservoir of infection and can contribute to kidney and liver disease. Bacteria can be pushed up under the gum line where it can readily enter the blood stream. Pet care includes dental care and this requires you as a responsible owner to help your pets maintain healthy teeth and gums.


1) FEEDING BONES

* DOGS - raw lamb bones, or chicken wings or necks for small dogs, or rawhide or greenies. ( Dental bones are not recommended as they are often too soft and dogs tend to chew and swallow them.)
* CATS - raw chicken necks, wings and drumsticks.

NEVER FEED COOKED BONES TO YOUR DOG OR CAT

2) DRY FOOD
* Encourage chewing to assist removal of plaque, helping to ensure healthy teeth and gums.
* Premium dry foods such as Science Diet Oral Care, Hills T/D or Eukanuba all have dietary formulation specifically designed to reduce plaque build up.
* To achieve the optimum dental benefits from feeding premium food, they are designed to be fed as the pets' main diet. That is, the premium diet is not as beneficial if 'diluted' amongst another diet.

3) MEAT
* Feeding strips of raw meat encourages chewing and is highly recomended.